Interview Tips

Interviews

Do research on the company and on the position. Their history, their clients, their future plans, the platform, languages, hardware etc. they use. The interview is conducted to test you technical skills, your motivation, your stability, maturity and attitude. Be prepared to answer questions on why you want the job, why you are interested in the company and what can you offer the company. Your research on the company should generate questions regarding the company, potential growth, career path, training, promotion, some benefits etc. Listen to what they have to offer without being too pushy to find out if you like the company.

Telephone Interviews

• Candidates will be interviewed by phone before interviewing. It is important to have your CV on hand while speaking on the phone.
• Smile when you speak, you come across friendlier and more enthusiastic. Speak formally, unless invited by the interviewer to address him or her by first name.
• Always listen very carefully to what the interviewer has to say and answer the question directly. Speak clearly. If the telephone line is bad explain this to the interviewer.
• Prepare the interview before hand, try to predict questions (some below) and think of some questions you may have concerning the company positions.
• At the end of the interview, if you are interested in the position ask for it. If there are second round interview ask for one. If the interviewer offers you the position and you want it accept it on the spot. Prevarication is not a good trait. If you do have reservations be tactful and honest. Do not be discouraged if no position or salary is discussed. Do not be discouraged if you think the interview is not going well, it may be imagination, cultural differences, or the interviewer testing your reactions.
• Contact us after the interview and tell them what you think of the interview and of the company and position. If there are things you feel you may have omitted that may be important to the interview tell us and we will tell it to the IT manager when talking to him or her next. If you are particularly interested in the position tell us why.

Face to Face Interviews

• Arrive early. If you are going to be late warn them. Announce yourself to the secretary informing them of the appointment and who you are meeting. Be sure that you are neat and tidy, that you are well groomed. Do not smoke before hand. Do not smoke, even if offered by the interviewer.
• If you are asked to fill out an application form do so in a thorough manner.
• Walk briskly in to the interview room. Shake the interviewer’s hand firmly (not too firmly). Follow the interviewer’s lead regarding greeting.
• Answer the question being asked, answer positively as possible. Do not speak negatively about previous positions. Always act as though you are going to be offered the job you are discussing.
• Remain relaxed and positive. Always maintain energy and enthusiasm, and keep good eye contact to emphasise sincerity.
• Clothing: First impressions are important. Try to dress consistently with the position you are applying for. It is recommended to dress conservatively – business suit, neat and pressed, polished shoes. Not too heavy on perfume/ after shave or jewellery. Reasons for failing interviews Lack of preparation for interview. Failure to ask questions about the position/ company. Being too demanding, too much emphasis on money. Poor personal appearance, posture or Hygiene. Lack of interest or passivity, exhibiting lack of enthusiasm for the position. Evasiveness. Being conceited, arrogant or overbearing.

Following Successful Interviews

• At least two reference checks are required. Make sure that you have referees from recent positions ready, inform them prior to the reference check on who is phoning them and an approximate time. Methodius will co ordinate these. Most reference check are carried out verbally.
• There are often medical tests. These are simple doctor tests. Some companies do test for drugs.
• Discuss the contract with somebody signing it.

Thirty Typical Interview Questions

• Tell me about yourself. Have a brief chronological history prepared. Keep it to about two minutes. Avoid unnecessary details. Highlight your virtues. Make it interesting.
• What do you know about the interviewer’s organisation.
• What do you look for in a job?
• How long would you take to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
• Are you, or could you become, a good supervisor? Give an example. Say why you feel you have management potential.
• Why are you leaving your present position? Mention more responsibilities, new skills, change of environment, etc.
• How do you feel about leaving all your benefits?
• How would you evaluate your present firm? Be positive. List the strong points.
• Have you helped reduce costs and increase efficiency?
• What do your fellow workers think of you?
• What features of your most recent position did you like the most? The least?
• What were your most significant contributions while in your most recent position?
• What did you think of your boss? Be positive, list the strong points.
• Describe a few situations in which your work was criticised?
• If I spoke with your most recent boss, what would be said about your strengths and weaknesses?
• Can you work under pressure and to deadlines?
• In your most recent position, what problems did you identify that had been previously overlooked?
• If you had a choice of company or job, where would you go?
• What are your salary expectations? Be realistic about your work and the current job market. Do not price yourself out of consideration.
• Why do you want to work for us? You would like to be part of a company project. You would like to solve a company problem. You like what you have heard about the company, its policies, goals, management, etc.
• Have you kept up in your field?
• What are your goals? Relate these to the job you are applying for.
• What are your strong points? Present at least three. Try and relate them to the company and the position.
• What are your weak points? Turn a negative into a positive: ‘I am sometimes impatient and I do the work myself if we are late.’
• What position do you expect to have in two years?
• What are your objectives? Long term – five or more years. Short term – one to three years.
• If you could start your career again, what would you do differently?
• How successful have you been so far, according to your own definition of success?
• How would you structure this job?
• What kind of hours are you used to working? Give an answer that asserts your flexibility.